The events from a fortnight ago when Rivers Hoopers clinched their seventh Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) championship has continued to garner reactions from certain individuals who played a vital part in a flawless championship run. Domestic quartet Eric Okechukwu, Chinedu Nwaogu, Tom Aroko, and John Idoga who each lifted their first-ever NPBL trophy in the process, are the latest to share their thoughts on what was a remarkable season in Nigerian basketball.
Beyond the marquee international signings and headline-grabbing statistics, the grit and determination of Rivers Hoopers’ home-based core proved to be the bedrock in reclaiming national supremacy and securing a return ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The four domestic first-time winners proved essential to the KingsMen throughout the campaign, anchoring the team’s qualifying run through Phase One in Ibadan and Phase Two in Enugu, and then contributing to the championship push during the playoffs and Finals in different ways.
While Aroko and Okechukwu provided essential energy, vocal leadership, and support from the sidelines after missing out on the Playoffs roster, Idoga and Nwaogu both stepped up to deliver brilliantly on the court.
Idoga proved to be a big asset defensively with relentless ball pressure as well as contributing crucial buckets in the paint, while Nwaogu emerged as the tournament’s undisputed top sixth man, giving the Hoopers instant scoring off the bench with clutch, high-efficiency perimeter shooting whenever his number was called.
For Okechukwu, lifting his maiden title after years in the league represented the realization of a major career goal.
“Winning the 2026 NPBL title was one of my main goals for the year, and to achieve it with Rivers Hoopers means a lot,” Okechukwu said. “I’ve played in this league for several years, preparing for a moment like this. To finally call myself a champion and lift that trophy is a special feeling.”
“The journey required patience, sacrifice, and perseverance through difficult moments. Having the opportunity to represent Nigeria on a bigger stage at the BAL makes it even more special. This isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. I’m grateful for my first championship, but I’m definitely not satisfied with just one.”
Aroko, who joined the KingsMen this season after previously playing for the Kwara Falcons, also expressed his delight at clinching the championship, while hailing the deep bonds formed during the title run.
“I feel elated winning the title with an organization like Rivers Hoopers,” Aroko noted. “For me, it’s not just about winning the league—it’s about the people: the teammates I’ve played with, the coaching staff, and the incredible experience of playing for Port Harcourt.”
“A lot of great players in our league never get the chance to win a championship. Coming here in my second league season and winning my first title fuels my hunger for more. It gives me the mindset to work even harder to ensure we keep bringing success to Port Harcourt.”
For Nwaogu who is fondly referred to as sniper because of his long range shooting ability, helping return the crown to Port Harcourt helped heal the lingering sting of past playoff disappointments.
“It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words because of everything we went through as a team—the long season, the hard work, and the patience required,” Nwaogu said. “Losing the championship last season was painful, and even though I wasn’t with the team then, I felt their pain.”
“Coming here this year and winning it proves that hard work really pays off. Now that I’ve experienced what it takes to become a champion, the goal is to keep improving, stay hungry, and win many more trophies with Rivers Hoopers.”
Idoga echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collective effort between domestic players, foreign recruits, and the passionate local fan base.
“I feel very happy winning the 2026 title and I’m already looking forward to the next one,” Idoga said. “The fans in Port Harcourt are amazing on and off the court. But most importantly, my teammates—the foreign players and us homies—everyone put their one percent on the line for the team to stand strong.”
Winning a first national championship is a landmark achievement for any Nigerian basketballer, but doing so while anchoring a historic seventh title run for the country’s premiere club makes it unforgettable. For Okechukwu, Aroko, Nwaogu, and Idoga, conquering the NPBL has not only fulfilled a lifelong dream—it has placed them squarely at the heart of the KingsMen’s golden era, with a renewed desire for even greater success.
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